JMB, I see that ffx.co.uk has the best price for the Metabo DH330 thicknesser at the moment at £383 - do you know if this eTailer is a reputable one? (DW733 isn't too bad either at £455)
Does the Metabo have any sort of fine adjustment scales on the depth adjustment or can you dial thicknesses easily just by looking at the front depth gauge?
Are replacement blades easy to come by and are there carbide blades available for this machine? How long do the blades last and have you tried sharpening them?